9 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
5. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
5.1 Syllabus aims
The aims below describe the educational purposes of a course in economics for the Cambridge O Level exam.
The aims are to: 1 develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of economic terminology, principles and theories
2 develop candidates’ basic economic numeracy and literacy and their ability to handle simple data including graphs and diagrams
3 develop candidates’ ability to use the tools of economic analysis in particular situations 4 show candidates how to identify and discriminate between differing sources of information and how to
distinguish between facts and value judgements in economic issues 5 develop candidates’ ability to use economic skills with reference to individuals, groups and
organisations to understand better the world in which they live 6 develop candidates’ understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations and of
the relationships between them; and to develop their appreciation of these relationships from the perspective of both developed and developing nations.
5.2 Assessment objectives and their weightings
The three assessment objectives in Cambridge O Level Economics are: AO1: Knowledge with understanding
AO2: Analysis AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making.
AO1: Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to: • show knowledge and understanding of economic facts, deinitions, concepts, principles and theories
• use economic vocabulary and terminology.
AO2: Analysis
Candidates should be able to: • select, organise and interpret data
• apply economic knowledge and understanding in written, numerical, diagrammatic and graphical form • use economic data, to recognise patterns in such data, and to deduce relationships.
10 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making
Candidates should be able to: • distinguish between evidence and opinion, make reasoned judgements and communicate those
judgements in an accurate and logical manner • recognise that economic theory has various limitations and uncertainties
• evaluate the social and environmental implications of particular courses of economic action • draw conclusions from economic information and critically evaluate economic data
• communicate conclusions in a logical and clear manner.
The weightings given to the assessment objectives are:
assessment objective Paper 1
Paper 2 Overall
AO1: Knowledge with understanding 45 ± 5
20 ± 5 28 ± 5
AO2: Analysis 55 ± 5
35 ± 5 41 ± 5
AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making 45 ± 5
31 ± 4 The assessment objectives are weighted to give an indication of their relative importance. The weightings
are not intended to provide a precise statement of the number of marks allocated to particular assessment objectives.
11 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
6. Syllabus content